The Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy is now permanently closed at Disney’s Hollywood Studios after 5.5 years of operation. The show featured a life-sized Lightning McQueen audio-animatronic and took guests through a racing simulation while showcasing the heart and humor found in the Cars movies. Last month, it was announced that Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy would be permanently closed to make way for a Villains-themed show next summer.
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy Permanently Closed
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy was originally announced back in June 2018, and had an original opening timeframe of Winter 2018. It wouldn’t open until March 2019 as part of Hollywood Studios’ 30th Anniversary celebrations. The Racing Academy took over a flex space building known as the Sunset Showcase that had previously housed limited-time offerings and special events.
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy featured a single stage surrounded by a more than 200-foot wrap-around screen. The Lightning McQueen audio-animatronic was hidden behind a wall that would open to reveal a rather complex figure once the show started.
During the 10-minute show, Lightning shares racing knowledge gathered over the course of his illustrious career. And if there’s one thing he’s learned over the years it’s that things don’t always go the way they’re supposed to. But with the help of Mater, Cruz Ramirez and other friends from Radiator Springs, Lightning is bound to get back on track. Sometimes you just have to turn right to go left!
The theater featured bench seating, and while the show was generally well received by guests, there wasn’t really much of a wait time during normal operations. Generally, you could simply walk up and your wait time would be however long it took for the current show to finish and guests to exit the theater.
Here’s a look at the area today from our visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The courtyard is blocked off to guests by a rope.
The permanent closure appears to be news to the sign guy, but rest assured, Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy is closed.
Now, the Sunset Showcase flex space building will be transformed to create an all-new Villains-themed stage show. As seen in the concept art below, it looks like some of the bones of the theater will remain, including the wrap-around screen, but exact details are still unknown. Here’s what Walt Disney World has announced so far:
The creative minds at Disney Live Entertainment will transform Sunset Showcase into the mysterious, reflective realm of the Magic Mirror. The show will feature appearances by dozens of the most infamous evildoers, with fiendish foes Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook and Maleficent each breaking through the glass to take the stage in live production numbers.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!
